SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) expressed her congratulations to all the recent high school graduates who are able to attend college thanks to scholarships from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“This is a great example of the state doing something positive for young men and women’s lives,” said Hunter. “They’ve been through so much and still managed to excel through the many obstacles they’ve faced. I appreciate the state’s efforts in encouraging young people to take the next step.”

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services awarded 53 students a four-year scholarship to any public university. Out of the nearly 250 applicants, the winners were selected based on academic achievement, community involvement and an essay.

“It’s nice to see some good news out of DCFS for a change,” said Hunter. “This is a tremendous program that I’ve worked to support and expand.”

Two years ago, Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed eliminating the scholarship program as part of deep cuts to DCFS. Hunter and Illinois Senate Democrats rallied public support and the governor kept the program and has continued to award the scholarships.

As part of that effort, Illinois Senate Democrats met with DCFS scholarship recipients who explained why the program is so important. You can watch their stories here.